Welcome

About the Institute for Continued Learning (ICL)

Established in 1992, Willamette University's Institute for Continued Learning (WU-ICL) serves retired and semi-retired persons over the age of 50, who wish to explore opportunities for continued learning in an academic environment. Members come from many different walks of life, and have diverse interests. What they do have in common is a desire to continue learning.

Membership requirements include:

an interest in life-long learning within the Willamette University environment

the time and desire to attend classes

access to the Internet and to e-mail

willingness to contribute to the academic programs and/or administration of ICL

support to Willamette University, its faculty and students, in achieving the mission and goals of the University.

In particular, ICL members agree to attend most of the classroom sessions each semester, and to participate in the various activities and offices of the Institute.

Current membership is 160, a number limited by the available meeting space. There is a waiting list to join.

An annual non-refundable membership fee (currently $165ºº) is required for participation. Membership renewal deadline is May 31 each year.

Further information may be obtained from the Membership Director by clicking on "Contact Us" near the bottom of the left sidebar.

An application form for ICL membership can be filled out online and submitted electronically (start by clicking on the "Applying for ICL Membership" link in left column).

Program Details

ICL is a self-directed academic program. ICL members who serve on the Curriculum Committee design the instructional program. At the same time, ICL is part of the University and operates under the general oversight of the University to ensure consistency with University values and policies.

Lecture/discussion sessions cover the range of the liberal arts and sciences. Individual instructors include current and retired Willamette University faculty and other qualified guest speakers. ICL members agree to provide one-third of the sessions. The program is non-credit and there are no examinations.

Classes meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Ford Hall, Lecture Room 122 on the Willamette campus, throughout the University’s two semesters. Additional optional "seminars" (currently: Great Books, Writer's Workshop, Acting Theory and Practice, and Costume Design) take place outside the regular classroom hours. There is usually one off-campus field trip per semester, and an annual picnic preceding the beginning of the Fall semester. Each semester ends with a luncheon and a General Membership Meeting.

Executive Director/Board Chair, Immediate Past Executive Director, Director of Curriculum Services, Director of University Support Services, Director of Membership Services, Director of Financial Services, Director of Secretarial Services, Director of Social Services and Director of Information Services. (For current Board members, click on the "More about ICL" link in the upper left sidebar and then on "ICL Board 201X-Y").